Authorities in Saudi Arabia on Sunday placed a ban on the import of poultry from France amid growing concerns about bird flu.
In June 2021, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), placed a temporary ban on poultry import from France following the outbreak of avian influenza. The latest ban on the import of poultry encompasses the French provinces of Landes, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, and Gers. The government’s decision was based on a report by the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Earlier, the Kingdom had placed a ban on imports from the French region of Saint-Geours-de-Maremne due to the same issue, reported The National News.
In 2021, the SFDA issued guidelines on poultry import. Among the guidelines, meat, and poultry are treated by heat, which reportedly ensured the elimination of the virus. “This means ensuring the elimination of the flu virus,” stated the SFDA.
“Once these products are in compliance with health requirements and standards, attaching a health certificate issued by authorities accredited in France proving that these products are virus-free,” it added.
